Page 25 of Last Date

“Regardless, the money the organizers make goes to charity. It’s not like they get to keep it.” He pushed his hands into his pockets and glanced around. “Don’t tell anyone else the amount that was taken. I… I shouldn’t have told you.”

“I won’t say a word.”

“Thanks.” He allowed a tired smile. “I’d better get back to my hand-holding duties.”

“Of course.” He left, and I went to gather Mom and June for the ride home. At first, the three of us were quiet on the drive. I’m sure we were all in shock that someone had actually stolen the bingo money. It seemed like such a heartless crime, stealing money from charity.

“Merrick looked so tired,” June said finally.

“Yeah.” I gripped the wheel tighter. “He actually admitted he wanted to go home and sleep. That isn’t like him. He’d usually fake his way through, no matter how tired he was.”

“I’m worried about him.” June sighed. “He’s been in a bad mood a lot lately. He used to be so cheerful.”

My mom said, “Something must be bothering him at work.”

“Could be.” I recalled Allister mentioning Merrick had been arguing with the mayor. I wasn’t sure if that was something I should share though. It might just make June worry even more.

“Thank goodness he has Peter. He’s such a doll.” June stared out the window at the dark night. “Although… your mother and I had high hopes that you and Merrick would get together, Kip.”

I stiffened. “Yes, so I’ve heard. But, as you’ve said, he has Peter now.”

“Yes.” She sighed. “Peter’s a gem.”

“Yep.”

Glancing over, Mom said slyly, “You and Merrick seemed to be having a lot of fun together tonight.”

I frowned. “And your point is?”

She gave an airy laugh. “I’m simply saying you two seemed to be enjoying each other’s company.”

“I had fun with you and June too.”

She patted my hand on the steering wheel. “Oh, I know that, but you two were really laughing it up.”

“I’ll admit Merrick annoyed me less than usual tonight.” I kept my gaze firmly on the road. They were up to something; I could feel it. They weren’t exactly subtle. Had they decided ahead of time to tag team me?

“That was the most I’ve seen Merrick laugh in a long time,” June said. “It made me so happy to see him happy.”

“I’m glad you were… happy.”

Mom said softly, “You know, Kip, I’ll bet a million dollars if you hinted to Merrick you were interested in him, he’d toss Peter aside in a heartbeat.”

Gritting my teeth, I said, “You don’t have a million dollars, Mother.”

“It’s just a figure of speech. You’re missing the point, dear.”

“No, I’m purposely ignoring your point.”

Mom gave me an exasperated glance. “Are you determined to stay single forever, Kip?”

I grimaced. “Are we really going to do this now?”

“I’m just saying…” She shrugged.

And saying. And saying. And saying.

I cleared my throat, determined not to let the conversation become all about me. “So, do either of you think the theft was an inside job?”